Dempo, East Bengal in goalless draw

Dempo played out a goalless draw with East Bengal in a 12th round match of the I-League, at the Nehru stadium, in Margao, Goa, on Friday.

The teams played at a lively pace but were unable to break the deadlock as defenders marshalled their citadel well.

Dempo, who had a better share of the exchanges, did not use the flanks well and built their attacks from the middle. As a result, East Bengal were able to close the gaps and cut off their moves.

Defenders Mahesh Gawli and Sameer Naik gave a good account of themselves with timely tackles, keeping Baichung Bhutia and Yusif Yakubu quiet.

East Bengal played the waiting game and relied more on counter attacks. They got their first chance in the ninth minute, but Bhutia's header, off a long lob from Nirmal Chetri, missed the target narrowly.

Few minutes later, Yakubu forced 'keeper Laxmikant Kattimani to make a diving save.

Dempo created couple of scoring opportunities but first Joaquim Abranches was not quick to react to a cross from Clifford Miranda from the left. Then Peter Carvalho's low shot was collected by 'keeper Abhara Mondal.

Viva Kerala beat Air India 2-1
Kozhikode: A last minute long ranger by Viva Kerala Captain M P Sakeer helped the hosts register a 2-1 win over Air India in a crucial ONGC I League match at the Corporation Stadium grounds.

The home team wasted numerous chances after the scores were level and it was captain Sakeer, adjudged man of the match, who hit a long ranger in the 87th minute for a crucial win in the last encounter of the second leg home ground match here.

The first goal for Viva Kerala was struck by V K Shibin Lal in the 22nd minute, capitalising on the flaws by the Air India, who dominated all through the second half.

Air India levelled in the 59th minute after Ndubuisi Opara pushed the ball in after a scramble for the ball by the teams.

Viva Kerala men, especially striker Reuben Senyo, failed to put away good passes. With the win, Viva Kerala earned 11 points while Air Air India have eight points.

The third leg of the home ground match for Viva Kerala team will be held here in March, officials here said.

The match was scheduled to be held yesterday but was put off to this evening after lighting at the stadium failed.